MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,415 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Mon Aug 7, 2006, 1:10am Subject: Ward Barbee passes on.
It was with a very sad heart today that I heard the news that Ward Barbee died on August 5th, while on vacation in Rome, Italy.
Ward was the publisher of Fresh Cup magazine, institutional in starting up NASCORE trade shows and the Fresh Cup Road Trip, and was known for being a pain in the ass to the SCAA at times, (and at times they sorely needed someone to be that! ;)).
I have known Ward for about five years now, and always enjoyed my talks with him, and his zest for life, his passion for the industry and seeing it go the right directions, and his infectuous laugh and smile. I'll miss them all; I'll even miss his red ruby shoes that were his trademark at social events (along with a tuxedo).
Ward was a definite boon and benefit for this industry - he made people think. At time he got people angry about things, but in the end, he made them think about where specialty coffee was going, and perhaps these folks took better steps to make specialty coffee greater, because of things he did and said.
In my book, he was one of the good guys, one of the heroes of the specialty coffee movement. And he'll be sorely missed.
Fresh Cup will have details soon about a celebration of Ward's life, so please stay tuned to that website for details.
In the meantime, if you have any words you'd like to share about Ward, please do so. I have a few stories of my own, but would like to save them for a few days from now.
My deepest sympathy and respect to his family, friends, and close associates at this time.
kathrynh Senior Member Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Seattle Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Mon Aug 7, 2006, 11:19am Subject: Re: Ward Barbee passes on.
Words cannot express the loss that we have all experienced this past weekend. Ward had an instrumental presence and passion for the specialty coffee industry. In his life he breathed/slept/and dreamt coffee. His writing, education, and travels have all helped to benefit the global coffee community. It goes without saying that the scope of his life's ambition can be felt by everyone in the world of specialty coffee - this loss has caused a shock that will ripple out to impact all of us. I speak for everyone at Coffee Fest when I say that we will miss him deeply. Ward was a dear friend, and his passing has left us with a void that will be impossible to fill. We will always carry a picture of him in our hearts and fondly remember Ward with his quirky sense of humor, zest for life, passion for coffee, an electrifying smile, and a stogie out this side of his mouth. Our hearts go out to the entire Fresh Cup team, his friends and family, and the many other lives that were touched by Ward Barbee.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,415 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Tue Aug 8, 2006, 12:53am Subject: Re: Ward Barbee passes on.
An email from the fine folks at Cappuccine.
I recieved some very sad news this morning from Jon Whiteside. Our friend Ward Barbee who founded and published Fresh Cup Magazine died of a heart attact in Rome last night. Ward was a very unique and special human being. He always brought a smile to my heart and a sparkle to my eye. He was not only a good friend personally, but a friend to everyone in our industry.
For those of you who did not personally know Ward, you missed out on a very special treat, as he was a character for all times. I always easily imagined him in France during the Revolution, publishing a magazine for freedom from some small back room, and wondering the streets of Paris with a passion for his cause of the day. We will miss him, and never forget him.
Ward was one of Jon Whitesides very best friends. Jon and I spoke of Ward this morning after the shock of first learning of Ward's passing. Jon shared many wild adventures with this man, and if you ever get a chance to talk with Jon, ask him to share some of them. Like Jon said, Ward would not want a funeral, he would want a party and celebration, and I guarantee there will be many there who loved this man.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,415 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Tue Aug 8, 2006, 12:59am Subject: Re: Ward Barbee passes on.
The SCAA also sent out a press release yesterday:
August 7, 2006
It was with great sadness that the staff and volunteer leadership of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) learned that Ward Barbee, publisher of Fresh Cup Magazine, had passed away while traveling in Italy on August 5th, 2006.
In the Spring of 2005, SCAA officially recognized Ward Barbee’s valuable contribution to the specialty coffee industry by naming him “Outstanding Publisher.” But Ward Barbee’s impact on the coffee industry went beyond his founding and publishing one of its most important trade magazines. A tireless traveler and great advocate for coffee retailers, Ward Barbee visited thousands of coffeehouses all over the world, and he never let anyone forget that the specialty coffee industry is absolutely dependent on those who serve our coffee to the public.
Ward Barbee was also one of SCAA’s most formidable and challenging critics, never allowing “good enough” to end any discussion. The staff and leadership of SCAA always valued the voice of Ward Barbee. We valued his insight, his clear commitment to the success of everyone in the industry, and his willingness to go beyond words and partner with SCAA on programs and projects. And though we may have disagreed at times, he always welcomed us each personally with a warm hand shake and a wide smile. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by us all.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,415 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Tue Aug 8, 2006, 1:01am Subject: Re: Ward Barbee passes on.
Bruce Miletto (Bellisimo Infogroup) sends along these words:
Saturday was a very sad day for the specialty coffee industry - as well as hundreds of dear close friends of Ward Barbee.
Ward passed away in Rome early Saturday- on vacation with Paula and his 11 year old grandson.
All of us will agree- there was only one Ward - bigger than life itself. No one can ever fill the void he will leave in the coffee industry and the love and friendship he brought to many of us.
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